Knowledge, warmth won over committee

The transition of religious leadership at Temple Beit Torah will be seamless: As retiring Rabbi Irvin Ehrlich retires Tuesday, Rabbi Donald Levy will be there to take his place.

A 10-member search committee from the temple recommended Levy's appointment, and the congregation approved the hiring in May.

"He obviously impressed us with his warmth and sincerity and knowledge of Judaism," said search committee member Dick Conn.

Levy, 51, is a relative latecomer to the profession. For years he was a U.S. Navy cryptologic linguist, someone who works in voice communications. But in 1989 at age 32, he decided he wanted to be a rabbi.

"A friend challenged me to pursue being a rabbi, something that really resonated with me," Levy said.

He finished his rabbinical studies in 1996 at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. After ordination, he became a Jewish chaplain in the U.S. Air Force. For a time, he was stationed at the Air Force Academy and taught a course in Judaism at Colorado College.

Most recently, Levy was Jewish chaplain at Ramstein Air Base in Germany..

Temple Beit Torah's rabbi search committee was drawn to Levy in part because of his rapport with young adults.

"I think his ability to relate to young people will help the congregation grow," said longtime congregant Harold Eichenbaum.

Levy, father of a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old, said young people respond to his informal manner, which includes a light touch during Sabbath services.

"When we come to the synagogue," Levy said, "our worship should be fun and joyful."

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